Chapter 42: Innocently Caught in the Crossfire

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Innocently Caught in the Crossfire

A young woman in professional attire appeared before them...

The newcomer was none other than the guidance counselor for Gu Yizhou’s class, Chen Jie—also known as the "Cold-faced Young Lady."

In reality, Chen Jie was only thirty-eight. She was easily a seven out of ten in looks and wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, giving her a very intellectual air.

She’d earned the nickname "Cold-faced Young Lady" simply because she was stricter than usual when managing her students.

After all, as a counselor managing a group of university students at their most rebellious age, how could she keep them in line without being a little intimidating?

But in reality, she was a pretty nice person.

As soon as she appeared, the once-noisy classroom fell silent in an instant.

Seeing this, the campus beauty, Su Qianqian, quickly found a seat behind Gu Yizhou.

In an instant, everyone in the classroom sat bolt upright in their seats, looking like perfect little angels.

CLICK-CLACK... CLICK-CLACK...

Chen Jie slowly walked into the classroom in her high heels and stepped onto the podium.

She stood at the podium, first sweeping her gaze across everyone present before retracting it. Turning to a female student below, she asked, "Class President, is everyone here?"

Hearing the question, Class President Lan Yuting quickly stood up and said, "Teacher Chen, besides Li Lan, Chen Ming, and He Mingliang, who couldn’t make it back from out of town, all the other students are here."

"Mm... Sit down."

Hearing Class President Lan Yuting’s words, Chen Jie gave a slight nod.

「In the Mountain Peak Villa District of Modu.」

Yan Luoxi was sitting on the sofa, silently sipping her coffee.

Sitting across from her was a middle-aged, elegant woman of about fifty.

That’s right.

This woman was Yan Luoxi’s mother—Tang Wanfang.

Although she was no longer young, Tang Wanfang’s skin was still fair and delicate, her lips full and rosy, as if time had left few traces upon her.

Her attire was exquisite and fashionable. She always chose high-quality fabrics and elegant designs, favoring soft tones that highlighted her mature grace without being overly ostentatious.

It was clear that every piece of jewelry she wore—be it her necklace, earrings, or bracelet—was carefully selected to perfectly complement her outfit and aura.

At that moment, Tang Wanfang was chattering away to Roy, who was seated beside her.

Yan Luoxi, however, said nothing. Her exquisite, cold face was devoid of any emotion, like a block of perennial ice.

However, Tang Wanfang and Roy were long used to this, so they didn’t find it strange.

Yes.

Aside from being unable to control her emotions around Gu Yizhou, Yan Luoxi was always like this with everyone else, including her own family.

But for some reason, whenever Tang Wanfang caught a glimpse of that cold little face, she felt a surge of irrational irritation.

"You brat," Tang Wanfang snapped, glaring at her. "Honestly, you come home and just walk around with that long face all day, acting like someone owes you a few hundred billion. It’s infuriating just looking at you!"

"With that attitude, any boy who sees you will probably run for the hills. No wonder you don’t have a boyfriend!"

Yan Luoxi remained expressionless, as if she hadn’t heard a word her mother said.

It made Tang Wanfang feel like she had just punched a pillow; a sense of powerlessness washed over her.

"Look at Yiyi! She’s not like you, with that sour puss on your face all day. You..."

Just then, Yan Luoxi glanced at her mother and said calmly, "Mom, if you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need for all this."

"Er..."

Tang Wanfang’s words caught in her throat.

’Was I that obvious?’

She subconsciously turned to Roy, casting a questioning gaze.

Roy looked awkward and gave a slight nod.

This...

Fine!

’Then I’m done pretending!’

Seeing that her indirect approach wasn’t working, Tang Wanfang decided to drop the act and lay her cards on the table.

"Alright, talk. What’s the deal with that boyfriend of yours?"

"And where have you been going? You’ve been unreachable every night recently."

she asked her daughter coolly.

Yan Luoxi wasn’t surprised by her mother’s questions. She picked up her coffee, took a small sip, and stated calmly, "I’ve already told you. I don’t have a boyfriend."

As for why she was unreachable every night, she didn’t answer.

Tang Wanfang: "..."

Hearing the same answer as before, she was speechless.

...

"I’ve called everyone back to school today for a reason besides your graduation internship reports. There’s another matter to discuss."

Back on the podium in Classroom 305, Counselor Chen Jie continued addressing the students.

’Another matter?’

Hearing her words, the entire class looked puzzled.

"As you all know, the 70th anniversary of Modu University of Finance and Economics is approaching."

"And since all of you are about to graduate, the university has decided to hold the 70th Anniversary Gala before you leave."

"The university requires all fourth-year students to participate actively and for each class to contribute one performance!"

"If anyone has any good ideas, or would like to recommend someone or volunteer themselves, now is the time."

Chen Jie said, continuing to look out at the crowd.

The classroom erupted with a clamor.

"Whoa!"

"The 70th anniversary! I thought we seniors wouldn’t get a chance to be part of it!"

"I can’t believe the school actually took us graduating seniors into account!"

"Yeah!"

"And we seniors get to put on a performance, too!"

"Gotta admit!"

"The school is being pretty cool about this!"

"I don’t want to graduate with regrets! Teacher, I want to sign up!"

"Me too!"

"+1"

...

After listening to Counselor Chen Jie, the students all started whispering amongst themselves.

’The anniversary gala!’

’It’s the biggest event at any university!’

’It’s also a perfect opportunity to show off!’

The upperclassmen would get to show off their best side to the cute underclassmen.

And the underclassmen could, in turn, display their own outstanding talents to the upperclassmen.

You could showcase your talents and earn glory—what’s not to love?

To put it bluntly, it was basically what you’d see on a nature documentary: spring had arrived, and with it, the season for all creatures to... mate.

That was the real reason everyone was so excited.

Some were already chattering excitedly, eager to sign up.

But as Gu Yizhou listened to the chatter, he just shook his head slightly.

He wasn’t interested in this sort of thing and had no intention of participating in this massive competition for mating rights.

However, just because he didn’t want to participate didn’t mean others didn’t want him to.

Just then.

Su Qianqian, sitting behind him, suddenly raised her hand. "Teacher Chen, for the 70th Anniversary Gala performance, I’d like to recommend someone!"

...